Episode #43: 

In this episode of 'Positive Traction,' host Henry engages in an inspiring conversation with Victor, a Hollywood filmmaker and former martial arts champion. Victor shares his multicultural European background and his journey to becoming a US citizen. He emphasizes the importance of real-world experience, investing in one's brand, and taking responsibility for one's destiny. Victor discusses his transition from martial arts to filmmaking, the challenges he faced, and his drive to create valuable projects that benefit the community. He also provides practical advice for aspiring actors and filmmakers while highlighting his educational initiatives and future ambitions to run for state Senate or governor to rebuild California. Victor's story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and continuous self-improvement.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:52 Victor's Background and Journey to the US 04:17 Challenges and Success in Hollywood 07:28 Victor's Philosophy and Career Evolution 11:45 Insights on Filmmaking and Writing 14:57 Future Projects and Aspirations 18:06 Mentorship and Impact on Interns 20:09 Emotional Transformation on Stage 20:40 The Importance of Earning Appreciation 21:34 How to Be a Good Life Partner 26:24 Building Success in Hollywood 31:24 Overcoming Life's Challenges 38:10 Final Thoughts and Future Plans      Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!  

 

Episode #42: In this episode of Positive Traction, host Henry Castro welcomes former boxing champion Brandon 'Bam Bam' Rios. They discuss Rios's journey from a small town in Kansas to the international boxing stage. Rios details the hard work, sacrifice, and determination that fueled his career, including his training regimen, weight management, and the pivotal moments that defined his success. He shares inspiring messages for young athletes and highlights the importance of persistence, heart, and the support system around him. The episode offers personal anecdotes and lessons learned from a lifetime dedicated to boxing.

  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:36 Early Life and Boxing Beginnings 03:45 Meeting Robert Garcia and Olympic Trials 06:05 Transition to Professional Boxing 08:43 Challenges of Weight Management 13:28 Training Camps and High Altitude Preparation 16:33 Intense Training Regimen 16:46 Sacrifices of a Boxer 17:25 Rising to Fame 18:16 Facing Manny Pacquiao 19:25 Overcoming Doubters 20:44 Support Systems and Challenges 21:59 Family and Investments 23:18 Advice for Aspiring Fighters 27:04 Importance of Nutrition 29:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #41: In this episode of Positive Traction, host Henry Casto welcomes seasoned health and fitness influencer Sandy Lieu, founder of Etiquette and Thrive Within. Sandy shares her journey from becoming interested in fitness during high school to competing in bodybuilding contests. She discusses her passion for research, weight training, and finding the right supplements. Sandy also delves into her skincare routine and her business ventures, such as starting a line of workout-friendly underwear and launching a business consulting company. The episode emphasizes the importance of persistence, research, and continuous self-improvement in both fitness and business.

  Timestamps: 00:47 Sandy's Fitness Journey Begins 01:46 Bodybuilding and Competitions 05:12 Nutrition and Supplementation Insights 08:47 Fitness Tips for Different Ages 13:05 Skincare and Personal Care 15:42 Business Ventures and Challenges 19:20 Understanding the Struggles and Starting Etiquette 19:36 Founding Thrive Within: Business Consulting 19:54 Helping Businesses Grow: From LLCs to Sales 21:38 Staying Motivated and Prioritizing Time 22:20 Fitness and Business: A Balanced Approach 24:03 Functional Fitness: A New Venture 25:20 Creating a Blueprint for Success 30:56 Staying Humble and Hungry 34:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #40: In this episode of Positive Traction, host Henry Castro welcomes his long-time friend Steve Harris, affectionately known as Pappy. The conversation delves into their decades-long friendship, Steve's challenging journey from homelessness to becoming a successful figure in Hollywood, and the importance of persistence, passion, and adaptability. They explore the early days of Steve's career, the struggles he faced, and his unwavering belief in his dreams. The episode highlights the value of doing what you love, continuously learning, and maintaining a positive mindset. Steve also shares insights on working with family, evolving with technology, and the future projects he's excited about. It's a heartwarming episode filled with inspiration, real-life experiences, and valuable life lessons. 

Timestamps: 00:33 Meeting Pappy: A Long-Awaited Episode 01:14 The Beginnings of a Lifelong Friendship 02:48 Pappy's Journey to Hollywood 05:27 Overcoming Early Challenges 07:55 Breakthroughs and Career Growth 16:00 Advice for Aspiring Creatives 19:20 Current Projects and Future Plans 25:13 Reflections and Closing Thoughts   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #39: In this inspiring episode of Positive Traction, Henry sits down with Kimberly, a successful business owner, entrepreneur, and mom. The discussion delves into Kimberly's transition from a lucrative corporate career to her passion for podcasting and launching Iconic Nation Media. Kimberly shares her journey through business school, the financial risks she took, and how her upbringing fostered her self-confidence. Together, they discuss the importance of grit, self-belief, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. The episode also highlights the significance of supportive relationships, honest communication, and adaptability in both personal and professional realms. With heartfelt moments and practical advice, Kimberly and Henry provide valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those navigating life transitions.

 

Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:43 Meet Kimberly: Entrepreneur and Podcaster 01:49 Corporate Journey and Taking Risks 09:58 Balancing Career and Family 17:38 Transition to New Ventures 23:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #38: In this episode of Positive Traction Podcast, Henry Castro welcomes Jeremiah Maestre after over a decade apart. They delve into Jeremiah's journey from starting in boxing and MMA to building a vibrant career as a coach and entrepreneur. Jeremiah shares his path from Northern to Southern California, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including moving to New York and eventually Orange County. They discuss his overcoming of challenges, the transition to digital coaching during the pandemic, and the importance of faith, discipline, and self-belief. Jeremiah also speaks about his new ventures, including a running journey and launching a new boxing brand, Legacy, in 2025.

Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:12 Reconnecting After a Decade 00:18 Jeremiah's Journey into Combat Sports 01:02 The Early Days of Training 04:00 Finding Fulfillment in Coaching 07:33 Building a Business in Orange County 15:45 Taking a Leap of Faith to New York 19:01 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success 21:49 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Aspirations 24:19 Reflecting on Past Mistakes and Growth 24:51 Career Breakthroughs and Achievements 25:54 Impact of COVID-19 and Digital Pivot 26:51 Personal Growth and Adaptability 30:10 Maintaining a Healthy Relationship 30:58 Struggles with Identity and Mental Health 34:57 Rediscovering Purpose Through Running 42:10 Current Endeavors and Future Plans 45:32 Commitment to Personal Challenges   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode 37: In this episode of Positive Traction, Henry interviews Carlos, who shares his turbulent yet inspiring life story. Carlos opens up about his seemingly normal childhood that drastically changed when his father left the family, leading him into a life of homelessness, gang involvement, and eventual imprisonment. He discusses his transformation while in solitary confinement, aided by unexpected acts of kindness and faith. Upon his release, Carlos faced numerous obstacles but found his purpose in helping others through writing, speaking engagements, and prison outreach programs. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the impact of second chances.

  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:48 Carlos's Early Life and Family Struggles 02:15 Descent into Crime and Incarceration 03:28 Life in Prison and Becoming a Shot Caller 04:27 Solitary Confinement and Transformation 07:56 Forgiveness and Rebuilding Relationships 12:59 Challenges After Release 17:07 Finding Hope and Purpose 25:03 The Power of One Person 26:25 Surviving Solitary Confinement 28:26 Choosing Not to Retaliate 29:13 Transforming Lives in Prison 32:16 Rebuilding Life After Prison 34:46 Finding Purpose and Giving Back 40:08 The Turning Point: Meeting Peter Meyerhoff 43:30 Current Endeavors and Future Goals   Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @positivetractionpodcast and WATCH us on YouTube!

Episode #36: 

The Essential Discomfort for Personal Growth   Description: In this mini bonus episode of the Positive Traction podcast, Coach Henry Castro and Daniel Brown discuss the concept of discomfort and its importance in personal growth. They explore how embracing discomfort can lead to resilience, discipline, and continuous improvement in various aspects of life. Daniel shares practical examples from his own life, including his morning routine and the benefits of seeking challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need to step out of comfort zones to achieve long-term rewards and personal development.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Discomfort 05:56 Discipline and Morning Routines 12:49 The Journey of Continuous Improvement

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Episode #35: In this episode of the Positive Traction Podcast, Coach Henry welcomes his long-time friend Chris, who shares his decade-long journey in the banking industry and how he has managed to stay grounded while navigating the ups and downs of his career. The discussion focuses on the importance of passion, dealing with significant hindrances, maintaining humility, and staying hungry for success. Chris delves into personal anecdotes, including challenging moments like leaving a secure job and facing institutional crises. The conversation also touches on balancing family life, finding joy in small moments, and offering life advice for younger generations. Chris's perspective provides valuable insights into resilience, authenticity, and the importance of living in the present. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question from Chris on the legacy one wishes to leave behind, prompting Henry to share his own reflections on living a life of purpose and integrity.

Chapters: 

00:44 Chris's Background in Banking 02:40 Challenges in the Banking Industry 06:05 Finding Passion and Overcoming Hindrances 08:42 The Importance of Hunger and Drive 12:49 Staying Humble in a High-Stakes World 14:11 Personal and Professional Setbacks 21:02 Marriage and Family Insights 23:26 Building a Strong Foundation 26:07 Overcoming Financial Struggles 27:48 Future Goals and Reflections 30:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Episode #34: In this episode of Positive Traction, Coach Henry interviews Lena Avila, the General Manager of Mastro’s in Thousand Oaks. Lena shares her compelling journey from growing up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, facing numerous challenges and hardships, to becoming a leading female figure in the restaurant industry. She discusses her transition from a career in law to culinary arts, her perseverance through personal adversity, and her rise through the ranks at Mastro’s. Lena's story highlights the importance of persistence, self-belief, and the support from a positive work culture. Her conversation with Coach Henry showcases her dedication, work ethic, and the inspirations she draws from her past experiences.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Lena's Background and Career Beginnings 03:09 A Life-Changing Event 04:59 Pursuing Culinary Dreams 06:19 Climbing the Culinary Ladder 12:10 Joining Mastro's and Career Growth 14:52 Facing Challenges in Business 16:40 Reconnecting with an Old Flame 17:19 A New Opportunity in California 19:24 Rising Through the Ranks 20:53 Reflecting on Humble Beginnings 23:45 Staying Humble and Hungry 28:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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